MILLBROOK - Better lighting on the Exit 13A overpass or a protective screening to prevent objects from being dropped on passing motorists are both options that have been discussed in the past, a former Millbrook councillor says.
But nothing has yet to be done and Stephen Marshall hopes the latest incident, in which a motorist's windshield was smashed Sunday night, will renew the call to action.
"It's something we've discussed for a couple of years," Marshall said, of talks among the community and elected officials alike.
"Some kind of remedy has to be dealt with there."
That is a position also shared by Const. Gaetanne Stevens of the RCMP Millbrook detachment.
"Most definitely I agree," she said. "Lighting would definitely help ... because of the traffic that goes through the overpass there, we can't really see anybody."
And Truro/Bible Hill MLA Lenore Zann said the issue is one that she is prepared
to champion with the NDP government, providing the concept is supported by local residents.
"Absolutely. I would say a light, a fence or both would be very wise at this point in time ... if that's something that we as a community feels needs to be done," she said. "That's
dangerous."
Zann said she will be meeting with Premier Darrell Dexter and the NDP caucus on Wednesday and the issue will certainly be broached at that time.
"That person could've had a serious accident," she said, of the latest incident.
Several years ago, a Truro motorist also escaped injury when his vehicle was struck by a softball-sized rock while passing under the same overpass. The rock came right through his windshield, causing an estimated $4,000 damage.

Better lighting on the Exit 13A overpass or a protective screening to prevent objects from being dropped on passing motorists are both options that have been discussed in the past, a former Millbrook councillor says. But nothing has yet to be done ...

How many times have we read this phrase - replace the overpass situation with your own special disaster situation: I have mine - and, as usual, nothing has yet to be done.

When are we going to get a county council with a backbone? Or is this just a place to earn some extra income (and I know of at least one councillor where this indeed was the reason to run for election)?

I for one am sick and tired of these do nothings that warm the seats of chambers and posture around the county telling us how wonderful they are.

And yes, I know this particular matter is probably a provincial matter since we're talking numbered highways, but a little bit of not-so-gentle nudging from our elected - let me repeat that: elected - representatives on behalf of us who live in the county just might help a bit.

The overpass at 13A is only one of many. A few years ago it was the overpass on the Crowes Mills Road. Any overpass is suspect and the problem should be rectified on all of them. I know I look up every time I go under one with a little bit of trepedition. We shouldn't have to do that. Thanks